Namibia foot-and-mouth disease outbreak triggers meat panic

A foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Namibia’s ǁKharas Region has led to the confirmation of 17 positive animal samples, all located within the Karasburg State Veterinary District. Acting Agriculture Minister Charles Mubita announced that intensified surveillance is underway to determine the full extent of the infection.

Following the outbreak, authorities have suspended the movement, slaughter, and export of cloven-hoofed animals and their products. This regulatory response has triggered panic buying in cities such as Windhoek, Stampriet, and Walvis Bay, where residents have rushed to butcheries to secure meat supplies. Some retailers reported shelves being emptied of carcasses, mince, and lamb within hours of the announcement.

Veterinary officials from both the public and private sectors have been mobilized to trace animal movements and conduct clinical examinations. While four cattle were moved from the affected farm to the Otjozondjupa Region, subsequent testing of those animals and 26 others returned negative results. The Ministry aims to establish the scope of the infection to determine when movement restrictions can be eased.